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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

creamy garlic parmesan pasta - featured image

A quick and easy creamy garlic parmesan pasta with roasted cherry tomatoes that delivers a comforting and flavorful dinner perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) fettuccine or linguine pasta
  • 2 cups (about 300 g) cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons (about 55 g) unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
  • 1 cup (90 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • A handful fresh basil, chopped (optional)
  • Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Spread cut-side up on a baking sheet and roast for 15-20 minutes until soft and caramelized.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente (9-11 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water before draining.
  3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally until sauce thickens but remains pourable.
  5. Lower heat and gradually add freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until fully melted and sauce is silky. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Add roasted cherry tomatoes to the skillet and stir gently to combine and warm through.
  7. Toss drained pasta into the skillet, coating noodles evenly with sauce and tomatoes. Add more pasta water if needed for smooth consistency.
  8. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. Finish with chopped fresh basil.
  9. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

Do not rush the cheese melting step; keep heat low to avoid grainy sauce. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Roasting tomatoes adds sweetness and depth. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and texture. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic parmesan pasta, roasted cherry tomatoes, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food, garlic parmesan sauce